Tissot could move part of its services from Le Locle to Neuchâtel – rts.ch

The Tissot watch manufacturer, established in Le Locle (NE) since 1853, is seeking to move its administrative, marketing and financial departments. The authorities of the City of Neuchâtel have made proposals to it to prevent these activities from leaving the canton.

The watch brand is looking for premises on the Geneva-Zurich railway axis to expand the pool of personnel recruitment and favor soft mobility, depending on the weather. The new parking policy in Le Locle has also made people cringe. Bienne and Yverdon-les-Bains would be serious competitors.

Alain Ribaux, State Councilor in charge of the Economy, indicated on Friday in the RTS Forum program that he had been informed by the Swatch Group brand.

The Neuchâtel State Councilor, not “enchanted” by Tissot’s decision, pleaded with the company that it maintain all of its activities in Le Locle. He also recalls that Neuchâtel is in a situation of full employment.

The unemployment rate is at its lowest level in the canton of Neuchâtel for more than twenty years, below the French-speaking average

Alain Ribaux, Neuchâtel State Councilor in charge of the economy

“The unemployment rate is at its lowest level in the canton of Neuchâtel for more than twenty years, below the French-speaking average, he recalls. It has therefore become “complicated” for large companies to recruit certain profiles, particularly in the marketing and financial sectors.

The minister points out that the canton of Neuchâtel is investing in infrastructure to reduce travel time with the ongoing construction of the Le Locle bypass or the direct rail link between Neuchâtel and La Chaux-de-Fonds – which is not planned before thirteen years.

Different proposals from the City of Neuchâtel

The City of Neuchâtel has made various proposals to the Swatch Group company, which concern both the purchase of buildings and rentals. Authorities are hoping for a decision in the coming weeks.

“The ball is in the court of the company and the watchmaking group”, declared the municipal councilor Violaine Blétry-de Montmollin, in charge of the economy, on the waves of the RTN. The investment could be significant, if a purchase of a building or premises is decided.

Competition between top and bottom?

Violaine Blétry-de Montmollin also believes that the time is not for “competition between the municipalities of Neuchâtel, but for the conversation of Tissot’s activities in the canton”.

Although State Councilor Alain Ribaux specifies that Tissot’s head office will remain in Le Locle, the negative impact is apprehended according to him “in terms of symbolism and feeling”, because Tissot is one of the “emblematic” watch brands of the Loclé.

There are moves, sometimes tectonic, going one way or the other, but there are more moves up than down the township

Alain Ribaux, Neuchâtel State Councilor in charge of the economy

At the same time, the Minister cites the “excellent news” for the upper part of the canton with the French brand Chanel which will develop its activities there, Tudor – owned by Rolex – which is building a new factory in Le Locle and the Brassus brand Audemars Piguet and its new factory, still in Le Locle.

“There are movements, sometimes tectonic, which go in one direction or the other”, image the Councilor of State. “But there are more moves up than down the township. The force of gravity is not that decisive.”

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